Worcestershire Women have unveiled a 15-player squad ahead of an exciting new era of cricket in 2025, as they prepare to compete across three major competitions.
Newly appointed Head of Women’s and Girls’ Cricket, Ed Wilson, has wasted no time in putting his stamp on the squad, bringing in five new faces to bolster a team brimming with talent and potential. With the Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup, Vitality Blast Women’s T20 League, and Metro Bank One-Day Cup all on the horizon, Wilson says he’s “really comfortable” with the balance and depth at his disposal.
Joining the squad are former Central Sparks stars Poppy Davis and Gwen Davies, alongside exciting prospects Ruby Davis, Emily Churns, and Sami Samarakoon. The batting unit is strengthened with the addition of Poppy, Gwen, and Ruby, while Sami adds firepower with the ball as a seam bowler, and Emily brings valuable versatility as an all-rounder.
Spinner Phoebe Brett, seamer Amy Maund, and batter Bryony Gillgrass are all also part of the Warwickshire Academy setup. Brett, fresh from selection for the England Under-19s squad at the ICC Winter World Cup, and fellow spinner Flora Bertwistle were instrumental in last season’s Rapids campaign, claiming 18 and 21 wickets respectively. Meanwhile, Gillgrass showed her class with a stunning 151-run knock in the 50-over clash with Warwickshire.
Leading the team once again is Chloe Hill, who continues as captain for a fifth successive summer, bringing experience and leadership to a group eager to make its mark.
“It’s an exciting mix,” said Wilson. “We’ve got a couple of ex-professionals alongside some really promising young players, it’s a strong and well-balanced group. I’m really happy with where we are. We also have five or six players still on trial, including some currently in Australia, so there’s still potential to add more talent to the squad.”
All of Worcestershire’s home T20 fixtures will be played at the Club’s iconic Visit Worcestershire New Road ground, alongside a home 50-over clash against Sussex. It’s part of a major step forward for the women’s programme, with more matches in high-profile venues, including away days at the likes of Headingley.
“It’s a fantastic development opportunity,” Wilson added. “Playing at Visit Worcestershire New Road and other top venues will give the girls invaluable experience and help raise the profile of the team.”
In the newly introduced Vitality T20 Women’s County Cup, Worcestershire face a first-round trip to Northamptonshire in a knockout format involving teams across all three Tiers. A win there would set up a second-round clash away to either Shropshire or Norfolk.
The squad is already hard at work in pre-season training, with twice-weekly sessions every Tuesday evening and Saturday morning at Malvern as they gear up for what promises to be a landmark campaign.
